A.

Flood Hazard Overlay.

1.

The flood hazard overlay zone protects public safety and property by restricting residential development within the 100-year floodplain and by keeping flood channels free of encroachment. Development in this zone must also comply with the requirements of Chapter 9.5 of the Code of Ordinances, Flood Damage Prevention.

2.

The lands within the flood hazard overlay zone are subject to periodic inundation. These floods adversely affect the public health, safety and general welfare of the parish. They can result in a loss of life and property, health and safety hazards, disruption of commerce and governmental services. They also lead to extraordinary public expenditures for flood protection and relief.

3.

These flood losses are created by the cumulative effect of obstructions in floodplains which cause an increase in flood heights and velocities. These losses are also increased by the development of buildings within the flood hazard overlay zone that are inadequately elevated, flood- proofed or otherwise protected from flood damage.

4.

Commentary. The purpose of floodplain zoning is to regulate land use within the floodplain so as to minimize or prevent the harm caused by flood. The current development pattern shows that some subdivisions have been developed recently within the 100-year floodplain. This overlay zone is designed to protect the public safety and property rights by restricting intensive residential development in the floodplain (zones A, A1, A30, AH and AE). Construction within designated floodplain should not be started until the applicant has provided an elevation certificate to the building official. By accepting an elevation certificate and related information, the parish government is not making any representation that a structure built in a floodplain is safe.

(DC03-01, 1/9/03; DC09-09, 12/17/09)